Baby goats among VIPs at fire station cheque presentation

Baby goats among VIPs as tributes paid to Ocado blaze firefighters

TWO very special guests were in attendance for a cheque presentation at Andover fire station this past weekend.

Ocado and Otis, newborn pygmy goat kids from Finkley Down Farm, joined the celebrations as the Fire Fighters Charity was presented with a cheque for more than £1,000 on Saturday, March 23.

Ocado and Otis were born on February 13 – a week after the outbreak of the huge blaze that started at Andover’s Ocado warehouse on February 5.

One of the kids was named Ocado as a tribute to the emergency services for their bravery in dealing with the fire, and also in recognition of the resilience demonstrated by the company’s employees.

Caroline Snook, livestock manager at Finkley Down Farm, said: “We named one of our goats Ocado to recognise the work of the fire service in dealing with this incident.

“They ensured our animals were safe and worked tirelessly to keep our local community safe.”

The funds for the cheque presented on Saturday had been raised after Mandie Simcox, an Ocado employee, set up a Just Giving page in the hope of buying “a pizza or two” for the firefighters who tackled the blaze.

But the fundraiser soon smashed all expectations with £1,121 raised – almost twice its £600 target.

Mandie said: “I set up the page to try and buy the team a pizza or two and I’ve been astounded by the response.

“I’m glad we can donate to The Fire Fighters Charity and show our appreciation for these incredible people.”

The Fire Fighters Charity helps both current and former firefighters, supporting thousands of beneficiaries a year through a broad range of services.

Kerry James, corporate and events Fundraiser for the charity, said: “The amount raised will make a huge difference to the services we can provide.

“The charity supports firefighters through rehabilitation, recuperation and nursing across our centres and this contribution will make a real difference in terms of the help we can provide.”

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